Participant response system and method

ABSTRACT

A participant response system comprises a plurality of handsets for allowing a participant of an event to input a response. Each handset comprises a wireless handset having a keyboard for allowing a user to input a response. The handsets are configurable either as a participant response handset to allow a participant to enter a response, or as a base station. The handset also includes audio capability to allow participants to receive and input audio.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention generally relates to a response system and methodprovided to enable participants of an event to input a response to theevent using handsets.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Systems for enabling participants of an event or an audience to enterresponses are well known in the art. Such systems have wideapplicability. For example, in a conference, conference participants canbe provided with units or handsets which enable conference participantsto fully participate by responding to questions individually, or byvoting on motions raised during the conference. These systems also haveapplicability for any type of voting application such as audience votingfor entertainment programmes. Such systems arc also applicable in thefield of education. Students can be provided with handsets for enteringanswers to questions. These systems enable immediate feedback to apresenter in a conference, a teacher, to entertainment programmeproducers, or to event organizers. Response systems can be generallydivided into two categories: a hardwired system and a wireless system. Ahardwired system is for example disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,303,042 andU.S. Pat. No. 5,357,609. However, hardwired systems suffer from thedisadvantage of requiring cables to connect each of the handsets to beused by participants. Thus these systems are less transportable andflexible.

Wireless participant response systems can use any type of wirelesscommunication system. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,870,214 discloses asystem using infra-red as the transmission medium. This system isadvantageous in that it is less prone to interference. The system doeshowever require a line of sight between transmitters and receivers.Other wireless systems use radio frequency transmissions betweentransmitters and receivers. Such a system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No.5,273,437. This document discloses an audience participation systemwhich uses the spread spectrum communication protocol for communicationbetween keypads and a base station.

Keypads are coded with characteristics to identify users to enableaudience responses to be individually identified. This coding can beachieved by providing a bar code scanner to scan a conference badge wornby the user. To enable full participation the keypads are also providedwith an audio capability enabling voice input to be transmitted over thewireless system.

Another RF wireless system is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,724,357 inwhich voice responses and keypad responses can be transmitted fromhandsets to a system controller. In this system code can be downloadedto configure handsets. However, a separate system controller isrequired.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of one aspect of the present invention to provide a moreflexible and configurable participant response system.

In accordance with a first aspect, the present invention provides ahandset for use in a response system which allows a participant of anevent to enter a response to the event. The handset includes the abilityto communicate by wireless with other handsets. The handsets areconfigurable as a participant handset to allow a participant to input aresponse and as a base station for communicating with participanthandsets.

Thus, in accordance with this aspect of the present invention, noseparate base station is required. Flexibility is provided by using thesame handset as the participant handset and as the base station.

In one embodiment the base station can include the functionality of amaster handset. In such an embodiment the handsets configured asparticipant handsets and a master handset (with or without a handsetconfigured as a separate base station) provide a complete participantresponse system. The master handset receives and processes responses andcan be provided with a display to display the results of the processingof the responses. Thus this embodiment of the present invention providesa highly flexible system which enables a complete participant responsesystem to be provided by the same units, i.e. handsets, suitablyconfigured to perform different roles within the participant responsesystem.

In one embodiment of the present invention handsets are configured asparticipant handsets and at least one base station. The or each basestation is connectable to a computer to act as the controller of theparticipant response system. A computer can thus receive and processresponses and provide a suitable display of the processed responses. Inthis embodiment, when a handset is connected to the computer, it canautomatically configure itself to act as a base station. The connectionto the computer can either be physical, e.g. a cable, or a wirelessconnection. In one embodiment of the present invention the connection isprovided by a cable and the handset detects signals from the computer onthe cable in order to determine whether to automatically configureitself as a base station.

In one embodiment, when a handset is acting as a base station withoutmaster handset capabilities, received responses are passed over theconnection to the computer. Also in this embodiment, the computer cansend configuration control instructions to the participants' handsetsvia the base station.

In other embodiment of the present invention when the base station actsas a master handset, responses received from the participants' handsetsare processed within the base station and can be displayed on the basestation handset. Also, the master handset function can generateconfiguration control instructions which are transmitted to theparticipants' handsets in order to modify the configuration of thehandsets.

Thus in accordance with this aspect of the present invention, a flexibleparticipant response system can be provided simply by providing aplurality of configurable handsets, a computer connection cable, andsuitable software for configuring a general-purpose computer to act as acontroller. Such a system enables a participant response system to beset up either using a computer as a controller, or using a handset as amaster handset to control the participant response system.

In another aspect of the present invention, the functionality ofhandsets for use in a participant response system can be configureddependent upon the identity of the participant using the handset, or agroup to which the participant belongs. In this system, when aparticipant receives the handset, before they can use it they must enterinformation identifying the participant or a group to which theparticipant belongs. This entered information is transmitted over thewireless link to a central unit, e.g. to a computer via the basestation, or to a master handset. At the central unit, handsetconfiguration parameters are determined on the basis of the enteredinformation and these configuration parameters are transmitted back tothe handset and used to configure the handset.

Thus in accordance with this aspect of the present invention,configuration instances can be set up for individual users or groups ofusers based on instance information stored centrally. This provides aflexible configuration system which enables information on theconfiguration of the handsets to be stored centrally.

In one embodiment the entered information includes informationidentifying the level of functionality of the handset available to theparticipant. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the central unitstores functionality information linking the level of functionality ofthe handset with the entered information and the handset configurationparameters are determined using not only the entered information butalso the functionality information. This latter embodiment enables setsof functionality information to be held centrally and modified centrallyso as to keep central control of the configuration of handsets.

In one embodiment the handsets can be configured to allow communicationsbetween a group of participants without interfering with communicationsbetween participants of another group. This enables effectivesub-division of the responses so that groups of individuals can provideresponses to different questions or events, or responses to the samequestion or events but identified as belonging to different groups ofparticipants.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a participant responsesystem and method in which a participant is provided with a handsetenabling them to enter information identifying the location of theparticipant. The information is sent by wireless to a central unit forprocessing information identifying the location of participants.

In accordance with this aspect of the present invention, a flexibleparticipant response system is provided enabling participants to choosetheir location, e.g. allowing a participant to choose their seat duringa conference, lecture or seminar. The seat number can then be entered inthe handset so that this is known centrally.

In one embodiment of the present invention, at the central unit theposition information is processed to generate data enabling a map of theevent to be generated showing locations of the participants. Wheninformation is stored linking the identity of the participants and thehandsets, this can be stored together with the position information, toprovide richer information on the responses. For example, during aseminar or conference, the map can illustrate where response types forma pattern, e.g. indicating that participants in a region cannot hear orsee the presentation properly, or indicating the voting patterns ofdifferent politicians in a council chamber.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the handsets are providedwith the capability for audio input and audio transmission to allowother participants to hear the participants speak. The central unit inthis embodiment can include camera control means for outputtinginformation on the location of the speaking participant to a camerasystem to enable the camera system to automatically direct a camera onthe speaking participant. In this way, when the participant speaks, thepicture taken by the camera can be shown a screen to enable the audiencenot only to hear the participant but also see the participant providetheir spoken contribution.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, a response system isprovided for allowing a participant to audibly respond during an event.Participants provided with wireless handsets each including audio inputmeans and audio transmission means for transmitting the audio for outputto other participants of the event. Further, the wireless handsetsinclude position input means to allow a participant to input informationidentifying the location of the participant. The information identifyingthe location of the participants is processed centrally and used tocontrol a camera system to automatically direct a camera on the speakingparticipant.

Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a participantresponse system allowing a participant of an event to input a response,in which there are provided a plurality of independent communicatinggroups. Each independent communicating group comprises a plurality ofwireless handsets. Each handset stores a group identity identifying agroup to which the handset belongs. Input means allows a participant toinput a response and this is transmitted to a base station. Each groupalso comprises at least one base station for communicating with thehandsets in the group. Each base station stores a group identityidentifying a group to which the base station belongs. Responses fromthe handsets are received by a wireless receiving means. Each handset isconfigured to set up the group identity of the handset dependent uponthe group identity of a base station of the group. Thus in this way thehandsets of the group and a base station within the group communicateindependently of other groups by comparison of the identity stored forthe handsets and the base station.

This use of independent communicating groups enables an event to besub-divided so that participants can attend sub-events and respond tosub-events. Alternatively, participants can respond to the same eventbut the responses can be kept separate for separate processing.

In one embodiment each base station comprises a handset configured toact as a base station and each handset is configurable as a handset foruse by a participant or as a base station. Thus in this embodiment aflexible participant response system is provided.

In a preferred embodiment the response system includes a responseprocessor for processing responses from participants. The responseprocessor is connected in use to each base station to receive theresponses.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a participantresponse system and method in which a portable wireless handset iscontrolled to periodically communicate with a remote central controllerto determine communication capability.

Thus in accordance with this aspect of the present invention, bycontinually periodically providing communication between the handset andthe central controller, the system is able to monitor communicationfailures. This is particularly important in a voting system such as avoting system used during a company board meeting or companyshareholders meeting where it is imperative to ensure that votes enteredby participants were registered. If the communication monitoringindicates that communication was lost between a handset and the centralcontroller at the point of a vote, and no vote was registered from theparticipant, this can provide information which can be used to determinewhether the vote should be retaken. More importantly, it can also beused as a legal test to confirm that all handsets were in communicationat the point of voting and thus if no vote was input by a participant,this must have been the decision of the participant and thus thedecision is recorded accordingly.

In one embodiment, when a handset is unable to communicate with acentral controller, the handset can record information. Such informationcan include, for example, battery status, signal strength, etc. Thisinformation can be uploaded to the central controller at some time aftercommunication is re-established.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the central controllercan operate to store information regarding communications with handsets.Thus this information can identify when no communications are receivedfrom a handset.

In this aspect of the present invention, a handset can act as a basestation and store communication information or merely pass communicationinformation on up to a master handset or a computer. Alternatively, thebase station can act as the master handset and can store communicationinformation and retrieve communication information from the participanthandsets.

Another aspect of the present invention provides a participant responsesystem for allowing a participant of an event to input a response. Thesystem comprises a plurality of portable handsets and a recharging rackfor receiving a plurality of portable handsets. Each portable handsetcomprises a rechargeable battery, recharging contacts for recharging thebattery, a keypad for entry of a response by a participant, and awireless module for transmission of the response to a remote receiver.The charging rack comprises a plurality of slots, each slot forreceiving a portable handset and including resilient holding means forholding a portable handset and electrical contact means for electricallycontacting the charging contacts on a portable handset. The chargingrack includes power supply means for supplying charging power to theelectrical contact means for each slot.

Thus in accordance with this embodiment of the present invention, aparticipant response system is provided which provides a simple way bywhich portable handsets can be recharged. The recharging rack includesresilient holding means which holds the portable handset so as to notrequire or rely upon gravity.

In a preferred embodiment the electrical contact means comprise magneticcontacts for maintaining electrical contact between the contact meansand the recharging contacts on the portable handsets by magneticattraction. The magnetic contacts ensure good electrical contact whenthe handset is placed in the slot and provide a reassuring positivecontact to ensure proper recharging of the battery in the handset.

In one embodiment of the present invention the power supply means isadapted to cyclically apply power to each of the electrical contactmeans so as to cyclically charge portable handsets held in therecharging rack. This embodiment of the present invention has theadvantage of charging the batteries in the handsets in the mostefficient manner, i.e. by providing period power inputs, and enables thedistribution of power to the handsets. By cyclically applying power tothe handsets rather than supplying power to all handsets, a reducedpower supply is required in the recharging rack. Thus the periodapplication of power to the batteries by cycling the applied poweracross many batteries provides for efficient and low power charging ofthe batteries.

In one embodiment the recharging rack is modular and can be modularlyattached to other recharging racks so as to connect the power supplymeans. Thus in this way where there are more participants in an eventand thus the system requires more handsets, the participant responsesystem can use more than one rechargeable rack modularly connectedtogether. This enables for simple expansion of the system to meetdemand.

A further aspect of the present invention provides a translation systemand method for translation during event participation by eventparticipants which uses a single communication channel for each of aplurality of languages. Translators are provided with units to enablethem to translate between languages by receiving and transmitting ondifferent channels. Participants are provided with units to enable themto listen to a channel in a language and speak in the same language overthe same channel. When a participant is permitted to speak, a controlsystem controls at least one translator's unit to switch channels toreceive the language spoken by the participant to enable them to listenand translate so that the translation is transmitted into a secondlanguage on a second language channel.

In a preferred embodiment, a plurality of participants' headsets areprovided. Each headset comprises an audio input and an audio output foruse by a participant, a participant's handset wireless module forwireless communication, and a controller for controlling theparticipant's handset wireless module to transmit and receive audio foroutput and input using a communication channel designated for a languagespoken by the participant. The system also comprises at least onetranslator's handset for use by a translator. Each translator's handsetcomprises an audio input for the input of audio in one language, anaudio output for the output of audio in another language, a translator'shandset wireless module for wireless communication, and a controller forcontroller the translator's handset wireless module to receive andtransmit audio in a first language on a first communication channel andto receive and transmit audio in a second language on a secondcommunication channel. The system also includes a control system forcontrolling the wireless communication of audio between theparticipants' handsets and at least one translator's headset. Thecontrol system is adapted to control the controller of a first saidparticipant's handset to allow a participant to speak by controlling theparticipant's handset wireless module to transmit audio in a firstlanguage spoken by the participant over a first communication channeldesignated for the first language, to control said controller of a saidtranslator's handset to allow a translator to listen to the audio in thefirst language and to input audio in the second language by controllingthe translator's handset wireless module to receive audio in the firstlanguage using the first communication channel and to transmit audio inthe second language using the second communication channel, and tocontrol to said controller of a second said participant's handset toallow a participant to listen by controlling the participant's handsetwireless module to receive audio in the second language spoken by theparticipant over the second communication channel.

Thus in accordance with this aspect of the present invention a simplesystem is provided for providing simultaneous translations usinghandsets provided to participants of an event. Translators automaticallyreceive at an output the spoken audio that they are to translate. If atranslator translates between a first and second language or in reversebetween the second and the first language, the output to the translatorcan be switched either between the first or second language to enablethe translator to translate to the second or first languagerespectively. The system is under the control of a central controlsystem. The presenter or lecturer can use a handset for speaking in afirst language. Participants whose language is a second language canreceive the translation in the second language using a handset. If aparticipant wishes to speak and their spoken language is, for example,the second language, the presenter or lecturer can use the controlsystem to allow them to speak. The communication channel for the secondlanguage for the participant's handset is automatically switched fromreceive to transmit mode and the associated translator's handset is alsoswitched automatically to receive the second language and to allow thetranslator to translate to the first language for output.

Yet a further aspect of the present invention provides a handset for usein a participant response system to allow participants of an event toinput a response. The handset includes input means for inputting aresponse, a wireless module for transmitting the response to a remoteresponse receiver, an audio input device for allowing a participant toinput speech, an audio output device for allowing the participant tolisten to receive speech, and an audio controller for controlling thewireless module to transmit and receive audio to and from a group of atleast one other handset to allow voice communication betweenparticipants.

Thus in accordance with this aspect of the present invention, thehandset can be configured to provide an intercom function betweenmembers of a group of participants of an event.

According to a further aspect, the present invention provides aparticipant response system for use in a participant response system toallow participants of an event to provide a response which comprises aplurality of wireless handsets for use by participants for inputting aresponse, and a rack for holding the wireless handsets, in which thehandsets are adapted to disable communications when held in said the,and to automatically enable communications when removed from the rack.

This aspect of the present invention provides for the convenient controlof the handsets en mass. Handsets are automatically enabled forcommunication when they are removed from the rack. This avoids the needfor a participant to have to turn on the handset before use.

In one embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the handsetsare adapted to turn off if they are unable to establish communicationsafter automatically enabling communications. This feature enables all ofthe handsets to be turned off automatically by removing them from therack and not providing for communications e.g. turning off the basestation.

In one embodiment of this aspect of the present invention, the rackincludes a charging system for electrically charging the handsets heldin the rack, wherein the handsets are adapted to automatically enablecommunications when no electrical charging is detected. Thus thisembodiment of the present invention enables the handsets to be turnedoff automatically either when they are withdrawn from the rack or enmass by turning off the charging system, assuming that there is nocommunication possible e.g. with the base station.

One aspect of the present invention provides a participant responsesystem for use in a participant response system to allow participants ofan event to provide a response which comprises a plurality of wirelesshandsets for use by participants for inputting a response, and a rackfor holding said wireless handsets, wherein the rack includes handsetcontrol means for switching off the handsets in the rack to disablecommunications.

Thus in accordance with this aspect a simple en mass control of thehandsets is provided for. The handset control means can comprise andelectrical signalling arrangement for signalling to the handsets toswitch off.

In one embodiment of this aspect of the present invention the handsetsare adapted to switch on when removed from the rack to enablecommunications. This avoids the need for participant to remember toswitch on the handsets.

In one embodiment of this aspect of the present invention the handsetsinclude rechargeable batteries, and the handset control means comprisesan electrical charging system for recharging the handsets, theelectrical charging system is switchable on or off, and the handsets areadapted to switch off when the charging system is switched off. Thus inthis embodiment the charging system acts as the control system.

In one embodiment of this aspect of the present invention the handsetsare adapted to switch on to enable communications when no charging isdetected from the charging system, and to switch off if they are unableto establish communications. This enables handsets to automaticallyswitch on to try to connect when they are removed from the rack and whenthe rack is switched off. If no communication is possible, e.g., no basestation is detected, the handsets will automatically turn off. Thus inthis way a simple method of automatically switching of the handsets isprovided.

Although various aspects of the present invention have been describedseparately hereinabove, any of the aspects of the present invention canbe used in conjunction with any other aspect of the present invention toprovide an improved system and method.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a is a top end view of a handset in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 1 b is a front elevation of a handset in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 1 c is a bottom end view of a handset in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an illustration of a handset with a smart card inserted inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a diagram of a bank of recharging racks containing handsets inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 a is a side view of a recharging rack in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 b is a part-sectional diagram through a charging rack inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 c is a front view of a recharging rack in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a participant response system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the components of a handset inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 a is a flow diagram illustrating a method of updating theconfiguration data in a handset in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 7 b is a flow diagram illustrating a method of updating the BIOSand configuration data in a handset in accordance with an embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 8 is schematic diagram of the functional components in a computersystem acting as a controller in a participant response system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the operations of a handset whenit is switched on in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps performed when ahandset enters the keypad mode in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps carried out by ahandset when it enters the base station mode in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps performed by a handsetduring recharging (the recharging mode) in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating the steps performed duringmonitoring of communications between a handset and a base station inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating the structure of a time frame (afrequency hop) used in the communication between the handset and thebase station in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a table illustrating the content of the slot types in a framein accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 16 is a table illustrating the content of the slot types inaccordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 17 is a table illustrating the content of the info slot inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of a participant response systemcomprising two independent groups of handsets in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a participant response system in whicha master handsets acts as a controller in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram of a participant response systemcomprising two independent but overlapping groups of handsets inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of a participant response system usingtwo base stations to extend the range in accordance with an embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 22 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of operating aparticipant response system utilizing more than one more base station inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a translation system incorporated in aparticipant response system in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention; and

FIG. 24 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the translationsystem of FIG. 23 in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

A handset for use in a participant response system in accordance with anembodiment of the present invention will now be described with referenceto FIGS. 1 a, 1 b, 1 c and 2. The handset 1 includes a liquid crystaldisplay 2 for displaying information to a participant of an event suchas a conference and for displaying an input response such as a numberindicating a vote or answer to a question posed during the event. Theliquid crystal display is a blue on green backlit dot matrix LCD with97×32 pixels resolution. This enables a flexible graphical display to beconfigured for the display of information to the participant. The LEDdisplay 2 can display information regarding the status of the handset 1.For example a battery icon can display segments indicating the amount ofbattery remaining. An aerial icon can use bars to indicate the signalstrength or the signal received from a base station. A clock icon candisplay the time which comprises the system time which follows the timeof a computer acting as the system controller, or the time of a masterhandset.

A front face of the handset 1 is also provided with a keyboard 3 of aconventional layout such as that provided on a mobile telephone.Alphanumeric keys are arranged in a conventional rectangulararrangement. A cancel key 3 a is provided and a soft key 3 b is providedwhich can be programmably configured for providing a programmable input.Additionally, up and down arrow keys 3 c are provided. Further, a poweron/off button 4 is provided for switching the handset 1 on and off.

Additionally on the front face a microphone 5 is provided at a lower endof the front face and a loudspeaker 6 is provided at an upper end of thefront face in a conventional mobile telephone configuration to enablethe unit to be used for speech communication.

On a top end of the handset 1 there is provided an LED indicator 7 whichcan indicate the status of the handset 1. The indicator flashes green toshow that it is connected to a base station, orange to show that asignal level is low and red to show that it is trying to connect to thebase station. When the handset 1 is being charged in the charging rack,as will be described in more detail hereinafter, the LED shows eachhandset's progress in the charging cycle. Red indicates low charge,orange indicates from low charge to nearly complete, and green indicatescharging is completed. The LED 7 blinks when it is being charged duringthe charging cycle.

At the top end of the handset 1 there is provided a wrist strap bar 10to which a wrist strap 11 can be connected. Also in the top end of thehandset 1 there is provided a smart card slot 8 for receipt of a smartcard 9 as shown in FIG. 2. The smart card 9 can carry information forconfiguring the handset 1. A configuration can take the form of settingthe mode of operation of the handset 1 or simply for entering parametersfor use during the operation of the handset 1. The smart card can evenbe used to completely reprogram the handset 1 by providing computercode. Thus the smart card acts as one means of programming orconfiguring the handset 1.

At a bottom end of the handset 1 there are provided 2 rechargingcontacts 12 a and 12 b. These metallic contacts are made of magneticallyattractive material so that the magnetic contacts in the charging rackwill be attracted to and contact the recharging contacts 12 a and 12 b.

Also, the bottom end of the handset 1 is provided with 3 sockets: a datasocket for connecting the handset 1 using the RS232C communicationprotocol to a computer, a microphone socket 14 for the connection of anexternal microphone and a headphone socket 15 for the connection of anexternal loudspeaker or headphones.

The structure of the recharging rack of the participant response systemfor recharging the handsets will now be described with reference toFIGS. 3 and 4.

FIG. 3 illustrates two banks of recharging racks containing handsets 1.Individual charging racks 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d, 20 e, 20 f, 20 g and20 h are connected together in a modular form. A bank of five rechargingracks 20 a, 20 b, 20 c, 20 d and 20 e are shown in FIG. 3 adjacent to asecond bank of which only three recharging racks 20 f, 20 g and 20 h canbe seen in FIG. 3. The racks are of modular form such that they can beconnected together in banks of five or stacked in banks of two.Electrical connectors are provided along the back of the rechargingracks in such a manner that they connect together when the rechargingracks are connected in the modular form illustrated. Each rechargingrack can be used on its own with a 9 to 12 volt DC power supply or theycan be connected into blocks of up to 50. Each recharging rack has 5slots for receiving handsets. The racks are designed to stack on top ofeach other with the slots either facing sideways or upwards. Two keyholeslots are provided at the back of each rack for attachment to verticalsurfaces.

As can be seen in more detail in FIGS. 4 a, 4 b and 4 c, an individualcharging rack 200 is provided with five slots 201 for receiving handsets1. Each slot is formed by shelves 202 extending across the two sides203, 204 of the recharging rack. On the sides 203, 204 within each slot201 a resilient or sprung mechanism 205 is provided for resilientlyholding the handset 1 in the slot 201. The sprung magnetic contacts 207are mounted directly onto a PCB 210. The magnetic recharging contactscomprise magnetic electrically conductive material—for contacting withthe two recharging contacts 12 a and 12 b of the handset 1. The PCB 210is mounted on mounts 208 at the back of the recharging rack 200. Thesprung mounts 211 act to mount the magnetic contacts 207 on the PCB 210.Electrical currents can thus be provided to the magnetic contacts 207from a 9 to 12 volt DC power supply (not shown) via a power rail runningacross the PCB 210. DC power connectors 212 are provided on the PCB 210for the application of power to the PCB 210. Power rail sockets 213 areprovided either side to allow the recharging rack 200 to be connected toanother recharging rack in a modular fashion. In this way power can beapplied to recharge the battery in the handset 1. The current can beapplied in either direction and the handset can be inserted into theslot 201 facing up or facing down. A heat sink 214 is mounted at theback of the recharging rack 200 for dissipating heat.

The charging applied to the batteries in the handsets 1 via the magneticcontacts 207 is controlled by a microprocessor mounted on the PCB. Themicroprocessor controls the application of power to each slot to give a60 second charge to each handset 1 in turn. The handset 1 controls thecolour of the LED 7 from red to indicate low charge, to orange and togreen when it is fully charged. Whilst the communicator is being chargedthe LED 7 flashes. If a slot 201 is not filled with a handset 1 or if ahandset 1 is fully charged, the microprocessor 209 skips the applicationof power to the magnetic contacts 207 for the slot 201 and applies thecharge to the next slot. When there is only one handset which is notfully charged in the rack 200, the handset 1 not yet fully chargedreceives 60 seconds of charge followed by a 60 second pause before thereapplication of charge. When the handsets 1 in the rack 200 are allfully charged, i.e. the LED 7 for each handset 1 is green, themicroprocessor 209 will still control the recharging to apply a top-up60 second charge occasionally to each handset to ensure that the fullycharged state of each handset 1 is maintained.

It can thus be seen from FIGS. 3 and 4 that the recharging rack providesa convenient method of recharging a number of handsets by providing foran arrangement in which the handsets are gripped by a biasingarrangement so that they are held firmly in place and the electricalcontracts are magnetically coupled to ensure good coupling.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a participant response systemin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. Theillustrated embodiment is a conventional configuration in which aplurality of handsets 30 a, 30 b and 30 c communicate with a basestation 31 which is connected to a computer 32 for controlling theparticipant response system. This embodiment of the present inventiondiffers over the prior art configurations in that the base station 31comprises a handset 1 suitably configured to act as a base station. Thebase station 31 is connected via the data socket 13 over an RS232Cconnection 33 to the RS232C port of the computer 32. Thus thisembodiment of the present invention provides a more flexible, simplifiedsystem which can be provided simply by providing a plurality ofconfigurable handsets together with a serial connector 33 and softwarefor loading onto the computer 32.

The structure of the handset 1 will now be described in more detail withreference to FIG. 6.

A charger unit 40 is provided connected to the recharging contacts 12 aand 12 b for providing charge to a rechargeable battery 41. The chargerunit 40 is under the control of a microprocessor 43 for controlling thecharging of the battery 41. A power supply unit (PSU) 42 is provided forusing the power in the battery 41 to generate the voltages necessary fordriving the circuitry within the handset 1.

At the heart of the handset is the microprocessor 43. The microprocessor43 is controlled by code loaded in a flash read only memory (ROM) 44.Within the ROM 44 there are three sections of code stored, namely a bootloader, a BIOS and configuration data. Each of these three sets of codereside in different addresses within the ROM 44. A microprocessor 43 isalso provided with random access memory 45 for use as working memory.The microprocessor 43 is connected to a display driver 46 which in turndrives the LCD display 2. The microprocessor 43 is also connected to thekeyboard 3 and to a smart card interface 47 which is provided inconjunction with the smart card slot 8 for reading a smart card 9. Themicroprocessor 43 is also connected to the RS232C interface 48 providedin conjunction with the data socket 13. A sub-processor 49 is providedfor control of the RF module 50 for communication with other handsets 1.The RF module is connected to an aerial 51 housed within the casing ofthe handset 1. The microprocessor 43 is also connected to a sounder 55for generating sounds.

An audio digital signal processor (DSP) 51 is provided for digitalsignal processing of audio input and output. An analogue to digitalconverter/digital to analogue converter (ADC/DAC) 52 is provided forgenerating an analogue output for amplification by an amplifier 53 foroutput to the loudspeaker 6 or for output through the headphone socket15. The ADC/DAC 52 also receives an analogue audio input from anamplifier 54 which receives its input from the microphone 5 or from amicrophone socket 14.

Thus the audio DSP 51 can process input and output audio in conjunctionwith the microprocessor 43 for transmission by the RF module 50 to otherhandsets to provide for audio communication between handsets 1.

The microprocessor 43 acts under the control of the code in the ROM 44.It can communicate with a computer acting as a controller via the RS232Cinterface 48, in which case the handset acts as a base station. Themicroprocessor 43 can receive commands, configuration data and newconfiguration code to be loaded in the ROM 44 from the computer usingthe RS232C interface 48. Also the microprocessor 43 can receiveconfiguration data or computer code from a smart card via the smart cardinterface 47. The configuration data or computer code received from thecomputer or from the smart card can be used to reconfigure the mode ofoperation of the handset, or simply to reset parameters within thehandset.

If commands are received from the computer that the handset acting as abase station is required to pass on to the other handsets, themicroprocessor 43 controls the sub-processor 49 which in turn controlsthe RF module 50 to transmit the commands to the other handsets.

When the handset is operating in a keypad mode, i.e. acting as aparticipant's handset, a participant's response can be input using thekeyboard 3. The microprocessor 43 can display this by controlling thedisplay driver 46 to control the LCD display 2 to display the inputparticipant's response. Prior to the input of this response, the RFmodule 50 may have received a specific question or command to initiateor prompt the input of a response by a participant. The display driver46 can thus control the LCD display 2 to display a question whichrequires an answer from the participant. Alternatively, it can display aprompt, e.g. “vote now” or “answer now”. Also, the LCD display 2 candisplay any other information received from another handset by the RFmodule 50.

The method of configuring the handset by modifying the code in the ROM44 will now be described with reference to the flow diagrams of 7 a and7 b.

The flash ROM 44 contains a first section of code called a boot loader.This is the minimum code required to enable the handset 1 to operate toload new controlling code e.g. to control the RF module 50. The BIOScode comprises code which is executable by the microprocessor 43. Theconfiguration data comprises data as binary code. This data definesparameters relating to the functionality of the handset. The parameterscan include user interface parameters such as the language to be usedfor the display of information, the fonts to be used, sounds to be usedfor playback over the sounder 55, and icons to be used. The informationcan also include modal parameters. Modal parameters can comprise a rangeof modal states such as a display layout mode as well as functionalitymodes. Each functionality mode can be set as a set of capabilities, i.e.functions or features which are enabled or disabled. Functionality modescan, for example, include:

Base station mode—this mode can be entered automatically when an RS232connection to a computer is detected by the RS232C interface 48.

Keypad mode, in which the handset operates as a keypad to allow theinput of a participant response but with no audio functionality.

Microphone mode—in this mode the handset acts as a keypad with themicrophone enabled to allow the user to input speech for transmission bythe RF module 50.

Speaker mode—this mode allows the handset to act as a keypad and enablesaudio output from the loudspeaker 6.

Intercom mode—in this mode the handset is configured as a keypad andboth the audio input and audio output are enabled. The audio output isset on one channel as a transmit channel and the audio input is set onanother channel as the receive channel.

Charging mode—the handset enters the charging mode when it is in thecharging rack.

Text messaging mod—in this mode the handset acts as a keypad but aparticipant is able to enter a text message for sending to anotherhandset during the event, e.g. conference.

Alarm mode—in this mode which can run in the background, when thehandset looses the signal from the base station it controls the sounder55 to generate an alarm sound until the base station signal is picked upagain. This acts as an out of range alarm and provides two benefit,namely it warns a user if they are out of range of the base station andit also acts as a theft deterrent to deter participants from taking thehandset away from the event.

These modes need not be mutually exclusive and a handset can operate inaccordance with a combination of these modes. It is even possible for ahandset to operate both as a base station and as a keypad for aparticipant.

FIG. 7 a is a flow diagram illustrating a method of updating theconfiguration data in the ROM 44.

In step S1 the handset is put in a programming mode. This can beachieved by a command over the RS232C interface from the computer.Alternatively, this can be achieved by the insertion of a reprogrammingsmart card 9 in the smart card slot 8. Further, this can be achieved byreceiving a command from a wireless communication via the RF module 50.When the handset is put into the programming mode, a first step (stepS2) is to erase the configuration data in the ROM 44. New configurationdata is then downloaded (step S3). This can be downloaded over theRS232C interface 48 from the computer, over the smart card interface 47from the reprogramming smart card 9, or from the RF module 50 from theremote handset such as a handset acting as a base station. The newconfiguration data is loaded into the ROM 44 and it is checked and thenused in the execution of the operation of the handset (step S4). Thusthe reconfiguration of the handset is complete by the updating of theconfiguration data.

The modification of the configuration data enables mode changes tochange the operation of the handset. However, this does not affect thecapabilities of the handset which are determined by the executable code,i.e. the BIOS in the ROM 44. During initial manufacture of the handsetor during a subsequent complete reprogramming, it is possible to replacethe BIOS in order to change the operational capabilities of the handset.The method of doing this is illustrated in the flow diagram of FIG. 7 b.

The handset is put in the programming mode (step S10). As described inrelation to FIG. 7 a this can be achieved either as a result of acommand over the RS232C interface 48, a command received over the smartcard interface 47 from a reprogramming smart card 9, or as a result of acommand received over the RF module 50. The first step of theprogramming mode (step S11) is the erasure of the configuration data inthe ROM 44. New BIOS data is then downloaded into the configuration dataarea of the ROM 44 (step S12). The new BIOS loaded into theconfiguration data area is then checked to confirm that there are noerrors (step S13). So long as the check is successful, the old BIOS inthe BIOS area in the ROM 44 is erased (step S14) and the new BIOS in theconfiguration data area is transferred to the BIOS area in the ROM 44(step S15). New configuration data is then downloaded and stored in theconfiguration data area (step S16) and the configuration data is checkedand used in the execution of the handset (step S17). Thus in this waythe handset is completely reprogrammed and reconfigured without riskinglosing the old BIOS before receiving a valid new BIOS.

The functional structure of the computer 32 acting as the controller ofthe participant response system will now be described with reference toFIG. 8.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of functional units generally executed ascomputer code within the computer 32. The computer 32 is provided withan RS232C interface 60 to which the communication cable 33 connectingthe handset acting as the base station 31 is connected. The softwaremodule acting as a communications driver 61 controls communicationtransmitted over the RS232C interface 60. A burner module 62 is providedfor putting the handset into the program mode and for downloadingconfiguration data and a new BIOS as described hereinabove withreference to FIGS. 7 a and 7 b. The burner provides a means ofdownloading executable code into the BIOS and binary data into theconfiguration data area. The binary BIOS code and the binaryconfiguration data are stored in memory in a binary code store 69. Thebinary BIOS code and the binary configuration data can be generated by acompiler 70 from source code stored in the source code store 71. Thesource code can be generated using a code design application 72. In itssimplest form the code design application can simply comprise a textprocessor for writing source code. The code for the BIOS can be writtenin a computer language, e.g. C. The configuration data can be written asXML. The BIOS can then be compiled by the compiler 70 into code which isexecutable by the microprocessor 43. The XML can be coded into binary soas to be readable by the microprocessor 43 for use as data during theexecution of the BIOS code. Thus the compiler 70 acts to generatecompiled code which is executable by the microprocessor 43 within thehandset 1.

An interface port 63 is also provided for communication with thecommunications driver 61. The interface port acts as an interface forcommunications to and from the base station 31 over the RS232C interface60. In order to control requests for responses and/or for posingquestions requiring answers from participants, an event application 65is executed within the computer 32. This is linked to the interface port63 via an OLE object 64. The OLE object 64 allows responses to bereturned to the event application 65. It also allows for requests forresponses or questions to be sent to handsets 1. For example, the eventapplication 65 can comprise PowerPoint (trade mark). The computer canthus be generating a presentation for display to participants such asconference participants or participants in a lecture. The PowerPointpresentation can ask the participants to vote now or answer a questionposed in the presentation. Responses received from handsets 1 are thenembedded into and displayed in the presentation by the OLE object 64.This provides for immediate feedback from conference participants.

The interface port 63 is also connected to a statistics analyser 66.This is an application that allows information on communications betweenthe handsets and the computer to be monitored. This can be used fordiagnostic purposes.

The interface port 63 is also connected to an event log data store 67for storing a data log of communication events. This allows for theoff-line studying of the data log by a data log analyser 68. The datalog analyser can comprise a simple text viewing application to view textstored representing events in the event log data store. The event logcan include unique user ID for handsets and event histories for thehandsets including low signal notifications, low battery notifications,disconnections, and key inputs, i.e. responses. The low signalnotifications can be an indication of lost packets rather than a powerlevel indication.

The operation of a handset will now be described with reference to FIGS.9 to 13.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of a handset. Whenit is switched on (step S20) the handset monitors the RS232C interface48 to detect if there is a computer signal (step S21). The computer 32will periodically transmit a signal over the RS232C interface. Thehandset determined whether the signal carries an instruction for thehandset to switch to the base station mode. If no such signal isdetected the handset enters a keypad mode (step S22). If the signal isdetected the handset enters a base station mode (step S23). In thekeypad mode, the handset periodically checks for the computer signal(step S21). Thus at any point during the operation of the handset in thekeypad mode (step S22) it can be switched to the base station mode (stepS23).

Before describing the operation of the handset in the base station andkeypad modes, mode of wireless communication between the handsets shouldfirst be explained.

In this embodiment of the present invention the handsets use thewireless frequency of 2400-2483.5 MHz. The system operates in accordancewith the ETS 300 328 standard. This communication method is a spreadspectrum communication method which provides 80 channels. This isloosely based on the DECT standard. The handsets transmit one frame in10 ms at one frequency and then change the frequency for each frameusing a pseudo-random frequency changing sequence across the 80different frequency channels. This provides 100 frames per second andthe raw data rate is 1.024 MBits per second. The transmission protocolwill be described in more detail hereinafter with reference to FIGS. 14to 18.

FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of a handset in thekeypad mode. 36)

The handset turns on its receiver and listens for base stationinformation messages (step S30). The handset moves from listening on onefrequency to the next on the frequency table at a rate faster than thebase station frequency hopping rate. Whilst potentially extending thecapture period this does ensure that success in detecting a base stationis not dependent on a single frequency which might be compromised byinterference. While the handset does not detect a base stationtransmission frame (step S33) the handset continues to hop through thefrequencies in the frequency table. If no base station transmissionframe is detected within a timeout period (step S31) and the previousmode was charger mode, the handset is turned off (step S32). Thus, whena handset is withdrawn from the charging rack 200 or if the rechargingrack is switched off, it can automatically switch on the radio receiverand look for a base station. If it does not find one it willautomatically turn off. This is a useful feature to facilitate handlingof a number of handsets as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

If a handset does detect a base station transmission frame (step S33)and if the handset has been configured to use a specific base number andthe base station is not transmitting the base number in the transmissionframe (step S34) the base station transmission will be ignored since thebase number of the handset is not matched to the base number of the basestation. This enables use of groups of handsets to be related todifferent base stations to avoid interference.

If the base station transmission frame is of the correct base number(step S34) the handset transmits a status signal with a unique handsetID (step S35). Whenever a message is ready to send it is delayed by arandom number of slots to reduce collisions with other message fromother handsets. If the handset does not receive an acknowledgement fromthe base station it resends the status message until a base stationacknowledgement is returned or a configurable maximum number of retriesis reached. If the maximum number of retries is reached the handsetstops trying to send the status message. The handset will wait 10seconds (step S37) and will then transmit a new status message (stepS35). If the handset receives an acknowledgement (step S36) the handsetcan then receive a mode change command in the command slot in a framefrom the base station (step S38). The handset will continue to send astatus message every ten seconds no matter which mode it is in. If thehandset ID in the command slot is zero or if it matches the ID of thehandset, the handset configures the mode of operation of the handset inaccordance with the mode change command (step S40). The handset thenwaits for an input (step S41). If the ID in the command slot is not zeroand it does not match the ID of the handset (step S39) the mode changecommand is not directed to the handset and it is thus ignored and thehandset waits for an input (step S41).

Although in this flow diagram the mode change command is described asbeing received immediately after connection of a handset to the basestation, a mode change command can be received and actioned at any timeby a handset. Also, the handset can enter the recharger mode at any timethe handset is put in the recharging rack.

FIG. 11 is a flow diagram illustrating the operation of the handset inthe base station mode.

In step S50 the base station transmits a base number, a time slotstructure and the system time in an information message in a slot inevery frame. If a base station receives a connection message (step S51)the base station sends an acknowledgement (step S52). The base stationthen sends a connection message to the computer over the RS232Cinterface (step S53). The connection message includes the handset'sunique ID. The base station can receive a mode change command from thecomputer (step S54) and the base station sends the mode change commandto the handset in the command slot in a frame (step S55).

The computer stores connection information including the handset'sunique ID and statistical information regarding connection with thehandset as will be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 13.

The operation of the handset when used in conjunction with the chargingrack will now be described with reference to the flow diagram of FIG.12.

In step S60 the handset is placed in the charging rack. If the chargingrack is on, the handset detects this and enters the charging mode anddisconnects from the base station (step S61) by turning off its radio.The charging rack then performs cyclical charging of the handset inblocks of five (step S62). The microprocessor in each handset controlsthe charger unit 40 in each handset to control the uptake of charge.This process continues until the charging has been completed (step S63).The charging rack will then enter the top-up charge mode (step S64). Inthe top-up charge mode the handsets are given period 60 second chargesin order to keep them topped-up. This will continue unless a handset istaken out of the rack (step S65). When a handset is taken out of thecharging rack the handset is switched on (step S66). The processillustrated in the flow diagram of FIG. 9 will then be carried out.Since it is unlikely that a signal from computer will be detected, i.e.that the RS232 connector 33 will be rapidly connected to the handset,generally the handset will enter the keypad mode (step S22).

The recharging rack of the embodiment of the present invention enablesfor convenient control of a number of handsets used during an event. Thesystem provides a convenient method of powering down the handsets. Whenthe handsets are placed in the charging rack 200, whether they are on oroff, they enter the charging mode. When they are removed or when thecharging rack is switched off i.e. when they no longer detect chargingpower being provided to the contacts 12 a and 12 b, the handsets turn onand try to connect to a base station (step S30). If a base station isdetected (step S31) they connect. If not they turn off. Thus thisprovides a convenient way of controlling a plurality of handsetssimultaneously. This allows them to be turned off by turning off thebase station and turning off the recharging rack. It also allows for thehandsets to be turned on automatically. This is useful for testing ofthe handsets as a group by switching off the recharging rack to allowthem to connect to a base station. This is also useful during an eventsuch as a conference, lecture, seminar, meeting etc when handsets canautomatically switch on and connect (to a base station) for use by aparticipant. This avoids the need for a participant or organiser toswitch on the handset. As the handset is withdrawn from the rechargingrack by the participant or the organiser, it switches on and connects.Similarly when the handset is replaced in the recharging rack itswitches to the recharging mode and disconnects from the base station.There is thus no need to remember to switch the handset on or off at thebeginning or end of an event. This is a boon to conference organisersfor the simplification of the process and reduces the input andcooperation required by the participants.

An important feature of the participant response system of an embodimentof the present invention is the ability to monitor the state ofcommunications between a base station and the handsets. In votingapplications, it is an important feature to ensure that the potentialvoter is in a position to be able to vote when applicable. If theirhandset has lost communication or has a flat battery for example, theyare not able to vote. For certain applications where voting has a legalconsequence, it is thus essential to monitor the communication status ofhandsets operated by voters. In this way, when a vote takes place it ispossible to determine that the voter was able to communicate their voteand if they did not it must have been because they chose not to.

FIG. 13 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of monitoringcommunication status in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention.

The handset periodically, e.g. every 10 seconds, sends out a statusmessage signal (step S70). The handset records statistics about allmessages sent and received. The status message contains statisticsinformation which can include the time, i.e. the system time at whichcommunication did not occur frames received per second, send retries,message send delays, battery status, signal strength with the handset'sunique ID. If the base station sends an acknowledgement to the handsetin the next frame (step S71) the base station sends the statusinformation to the computer 32 (step S73). The computer 32 then storesthis information in the event log data store 67 (step S74). This data isstored to form statistical data on communications with the handset. Thusthe computer stores the data every 10 seconds to build up a picture ofthe communications with the handset. Each handset had its own recordidentified by its unique ID.

Thus in this way a record of current communication quality is stored atthe handset and a record of past communications are stored at thecomputer. The computer is thus able to identify when communications withthe handset broke down and the event log data will enable identificationof a possible reason for this e.g. the last status message signalindicated low battery and hence the battery may have run out, or thelast status message signal indicated a low signal strength indicatingthat the handset may be out of range. The signal strength can beindicated by the number of packets received per second rather than anabsolute power level. Also the number of lost packets and the number ofretries can be recorded. Periodically the computer can send a commandrequesting the download of the recorded statistics from the handset.This information can be transmitted over the wireless communication linkand stored in the event log data store 67. Thus in this way the computercan obtain a complete picture of the communication status between thebase station and the handsets.

The communication protocol for the wireless communication between thehandsets will now be described with reference to FIGS. 14 to 17.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating a time frame. Each time framerepresents a transmission of data over a 10 millisecond period at asingle frequency. Thus the frames are transmitted at 100 frames persecond at a data rate of 1.024 MBits per second. Each time frame isdivided into 20 slots numbers 0 to 19 in FIG. 14. Thus each slot has acapacity of 512 bits. As can be seen from FIG. 14, each slot comprisesan initial 56 guard bits followed by 32 sync bits. The sync bits arefollowed by 64 control bits comprising 48 A field bits and 16 cyclicredundancy check (CRC) bits. The control bits are followed by 320 Bfield bits and then 8 X/Z bits. The B field can contain either 320 bitsof ADPCM (adaptive differential pulse code modulated) audio or 32 bytesof CRC protected data.

In each frame each slot is a slot type for carrying different data. Inthis embodiment of the present invention there are two different timeslot structures used. FIG. 15 is a table illustrated a first time slotstructure. In this time slot structure the second slot comprises theinformation slot. Slots 4 to 7 comprise 4 audio slots to be configuredas audio transmit or receive channels. Commands are transmitted in slot18. Messages from the handsets can be transmitted in the message slots.

FIG. 16 is a table illustrating a second time slot structure. In thistime slot structure the second slot is the information slot and slots 4to 11 provide 8 audio slots for providing audio transmit or receivechannels. Once again commands are sent in the command slot 18. Messagesfrom the handsets are transmitted to the base station in the messageslots.

FIG. 17 is a table illustrating the information slot. A first field inthe information slot is the first 2 bytes which indicate the base numberof the base station. The second field comprises the next 4 bytes whichindicate the networked time. The third field is the slot structure andthis indicates whether the time slot structure illustrated in FIG. 15 orthe time slot structure illustrated in FIG. 16 is being used. The fourthfield is a field indicating whether a command is present in the frame ornot.

Another embodiment of the present invention will now be described withreference to FIG. 18 in which the participant response system isconfigured to provide two separate participant response systemsindependent of one another.

As can be seen in this arrangement, the two networks do not overlap.Each network comprises a handset configured as a base station 101 a and101 b, each being connected to a respective computer 102 a and 102 b.Each base station 101 a and 101 b communicates with respective handsets100 a and 100 b. The computers 102 a and 102 b are connected over anetwork 103 to a computer 104 running a controlling application.

Each computer 102 a and 102 b can include a separate controllingapplication to control each network. In this way the system provides forparticipant response systems usable at several single sites andcontrollable independently of each other. The computer 104 can providean overall control or configuration function.

Another embodiment of the present invention will now be described withreference to FIG. 19 which illustrates the participant response systemconfigured to operate without the use of a computer.

In this embodiment a handset is configured as a base station 111 andthis communicates with a network of handsets 110. One handset isconfigured as a master handset 112 and this communicates with the basestation 111. The master handset 112 performs the controlling functionperformed by the computer in other embodiments. The master handset 112can initiate a response from participants and display and process theresults.

This system is particularly suited to a dedicated voting and/or audiosystem.

Although in the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 19 one handset isconfigured as a base station 111 and another handset is configured as amaster handset 112, in an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention, the functionality of the base station and the master handsetcan be combined in a single handset. Thus in such an arrangement thehandsets 110 communicate directly with a master handset.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 20which comprises a participant response system configuration in whichthere are two independent groups of handsets configured as twoindependent but overlapping networks.

In this embodiment a first group of handsets 120 a communicate with afirst base station 121 a and a first computer running a controllingapplication 122 a. A second group of handsets 120 b communicate with asecond base station 121 b under the control of a computer running acontrolling application 122 b. The communication ranges of the two basestations 121 a and 121 b overlap and thus handsets can be withincommunication range of both base stations 121 a and 121 b. However, inthe configuration of this embodiment of the present invention each basestation is configured to have a different base number and each handsetis similarly configured to have the same base number. This ensures thateach group of handsets 120 a and 120 b communicate with respective basestations 121 a and 121 b only. Where a base station is in communicationrange of both base stations 121 a and 121 b, communication is only setup with the correct base station having the correct base number for thehandset as described with reference to the flow diagram of FIG. 10 andin particular with reference to step S34.

Thus, this embodiment of the present invention overcomes the problem oftrying to keep the radio frequency area of adjacent participant responsegroups separate. It is possible to operate two separate participantresponse events despite an overlap of the radio frequency communicationrange of the base stations. It is also possible for the participantresponse system to be set up as a response system for two sub-events ofthe main participant response event. For example, during a conferencethere may be two different but simultaneous workshops running inadjacent rooms or buildings. The system of FIG. 20 enables groups ofhandsets to respond independent to the correct sub-event withoutinterference.

Although in this embodiment of the present invention two separatecomputer applications 122 a and 122 b are shown, it is possible for asingle controlling computer application to be used to control twoseparate groups of handsets via separate base stations. In such anarrangement this enables the responses of the different groups to behandled and processed separately. It also enables groups of participantsto communicate with one another, e.g. by audio as a group withoutinterfering with or being heard by another group. Thus the arrangementcan be used to extend the range of a participant response system usingmultiple base stations acting independently, i.e. with different basenumbers. Groups of handsets will be associated with respective basestations. Handsets must however stay within range of the respective basestation and thus this limits the areas accessible to handset users. Toavoid this the base stations can be arranged close to one another or inareas ensuring that the communication range covers all areas accessibleto the participants.

Another embodiment of the present invention will now be described withreference to FIG. 21 which is particularly suited to a participantresponse system having a large number of handsets or a large site. Thisembodiment of the present invention is similar to the previousembodiment of the present invention utilizing a single computerapplication, but in this embodiment the base stations 131 a and 131 b donot use different base numbers. In order to extend the range of thecommunication network, multiple base stations 131 a and 131 b are usedhaving the same base number. A network of handsets 130 a, 130 b, 130 c,130 d and 130 e can communicate with either base station 131 a and 131b. As can be seen, handset 130 b can communicate with either basestation since it is within communication range of either base station131 a and 131 b. Each base station 131 a and 131 b is connected to acomputer 132 running a controlling application.

It can thus be seen from FIG. 21 that the participant response systemprovides an extended communication range for an event enabling thehandsets to roam over a greater area. A handset can communicate with theclosest base station. The decision on which base station to connect tocan for example be determined by signal strength. This requires thehandset to dynamically select which base station is the best basestation to communicate with.

Since single computer application 132 controls the base stations 131 aand 131 b, all responses are processed centrally.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 20 and 21, where multiple basestations are used, it is important that communications between basestations and each handset do not interfere. In the communicationprotocol used in the embodiment of the present invention there are 80frequency channels available. Each base station performs frequencyhopping every 10 milliseconds, i.e. every data frame in a predeterminedpseudo-random sequence which is common to the base stations. At eachfrequency hop, i.e. each frame, data is transmitted and received in atwo-way communication protocol between a base station and the handset.

In order to avoid the same communication channel being used by differentbase stations, i.e. in order to avoid a base station using the samefrequency channel at the same time, each base station operates inaccordance with the same pseudo-random frequency changing sequence butthey are out of step to avoid co-channel use.

A process for ensuring this is illustrated in the flow diagram of FIG.22.

When a base station is turned on (step S80) it turns on its receiver andrandomly chooses a frequency to listen on by randomly choosing a startposition in a frequency table (step S81). The frequency table stores thesequence of frequency hops for the spread spectrum communication. If acommunication from another base station is detected at that frequency,another frequency is randomly chosen as the start frequency in thepseudo-random frequency changing sequence (step S81). This is repeateduntil no other base station is detected and in this way common use ofany of the 80 channels by more than one base station is avoided.

Having now set up to start the frequency hopping sequence at afrequency, the base station operates to search for communications withhandsets by transmitting information packets and monitoring for statusmessage signals from handsets. During operation the base stationcontinually monitors for transmissions from other base stations (stepS84). When such transmissions are detected, a command is sent to thehandsets with which the base station is communicating, warning them thaton the next cycle the frequency hop will skip one hop (step S85), thenon the next cycle the base station skips one frequency hop forcommunications with the handsets (step S86). The base station thenreturns to detecting whether there is another base station operating insynchronization with the frequency hopping sequence (step S84). In thisway the base station continuously skips frequency hops to find aposition in the sequence of frequency hops that is not being used byanother base station. Thus in this embodiment of the present inventionwhich uses 80 frequency channels which are used statistically equally bythe frequency hopping pseudo-random sequence performed by each basestation, it is possible for the communication protocol to support 80different base stations operating at different points in the frequencyhopping cycle without interference.

Although in the embodiments of the present invention describedhereinabove 80 frequency channels are available, this is based on theETS 300 328 standard operated in the UK and other countries. However inFrance, for example, the standard only allows 36 channels, whilst inSpain it supports only 29 channels.

In the embodiments described with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21, the basenumber for the base station handset defines a group but can beconsidered as a group number. A group number enables handsets and basestations to operate in a self-contained network within a larger networkwhen more than one base station is used. The base number can be set fora base station using a smart card, or by a controlling computer ormaster handset. It can also be set using the keyboard. Also, the basenumber can be set on a handset in the same way. If it is not set, bydefault a handset can connected to the nearest or first base stationthat it detects communication from and select to use the base station'sbase number.

The methodology described with reference to FIG. 22 is particularlysuitable for roaming networks of participant response systems. Forexample, handsets could be given to pupils during a museum trip by aclass of students. A teacher can hold the master handset and setquestions to the pupils. Because the networks are mobile, a base stationmay detect coincidence with another network, thus causing it to adjustits cycle as described with reference to FIG. 22.

So far the audio capability of the participant response system has notbeen described in detail. The communication protocol either providesfour or eight channels for audio transmission, i.e. four or eight slotsin each frame as described with reference to FIGS. 15 and 16. Each audiochannel can be set up in accordance with an audio mode to either be areceive or transmit channel. These can be dynamically changed by acontroller over the radio frequency network.

Within groups of handsets having the same base number, it is possiblefor the handsets to be set in an intercom mode whereby participants cancommunicate with one another using one transmit and one receive channel.In order to enable communication between pairs of handsets, a controllerwill need to enable a transmit and receive channel between pairs ofhandsets. It can also be possible for the controller to be set to ensurethat each handset receives on the same channel from a transmit channelfrom a single handset, i.e. the audio from a single handset can bebroadest to handsets in the same group.

The controller can give priority to some handsets and a table of thelevels of priority can be stored within the controller.

The audio capability of the handset enables the handset to be used by apresenter in a conference or seminar. The audio can be broadcast toother handsets in the group. It can also be broadcast to a handsetconnected to an amplifier and loudspeaker to broadcast the audio to theconference participants. Thus use of a handset by the presenter and ahandset controlling a loudspeaker in conjunction with a base stationeither separately or in combination with one of the handsets providesfor a wireless public address system. The presenter's handset or theloudspeaker controlling handset can comprise the base station or therecan be a separate base station.

In a public address system used in for example a conference, conferenceparticipants can be provided with handsets. When a conferenceparticipant wishes to speak, a presenter can use a controller to allowthe participant to speak by enabling their audio transmit channel. Thischannel can be the same channel, thereby preventing the presenter fromspeaking, or a different channel enabling both the presenter and theparticipant to speaker. The handset controlling the loudspeaker can thusoutput the audio from both the presenter and the participant. If audiois present on two channels, i.e. both from the presenter and theparticipant, the handset can be configured to mix the audio from the twochannels and output this to the loudspeaker. Alternatively, separatehandsets can be provided to receive audio on separate channels and aseparate mixer can be provided to mix the audio outputs from the headsetoutputs of the handsets to provide a mixed audio signal to theloudspeaker.

It can thus be seen that the participant response system not onlyprovides a flexible, configurable participant response system forreceiving responses from participants to questions or response eventsduring an event, it also enables participants to receive and transmitaudio, thereby providing a flexible, convenient wireless public addresssystem usable not just by the presenter but also controllably by theparticipants.

An embodiment of the present invention will now be described in whichthe audio capability of the system is used as a wireless simultaneoustranslation system. This capability can be used in conjunction with theparticipant response capability as described hereinabove for previousembodiments.

This system of the present invention is based on providing a singlelanguage in a single communication channel. The communication channelfor each handset is reserved for a specific language but is configurableeither to receive or transmit in that channel. This enables participantsto listen and when allowed speak using the same channel. It alsoprovides for control of a handset operated by a translator toautomatically switch between receive and transmit capabilities ofchannels used by the translator so that the translator can automaticallytranslate from a first language into a second language and from thesecond language into the first language when required, i.e. when aparticipant wishes to speak in a second language. By maintaining thechannels the same for languages, other translators translating from thefirst language to, say, a third or fourth language, need not switchtheir channels. A controller can automatically determine the languagerequirement of the speaker who has requested to or been permitted tospeak. This enables the controller to identify the translator and tocontrol the switching of the channel for the speaker to transmit and forthe translator to receive. Also for the translator the second channelfor the other language spoken by the translator is switched to transmit.

A simultaneous translation system is illustrated in FIG. 23. Assuming apresenter 300 possessing a handset 300 a presents in English and thusthe floor language of the conference is English. The presenter or aChairman of the conference has use of a computer 301 (or a masterhandset) acting as a controller. A base station 302 (or a number of basestations) are provided for relaying communications. The presenter'shandset 300 a is set to transmit audio in English on channel 1. Thus,channel 1 is reserved as the English language channel. A loudspeakercontrolling handset 303 is provided and set up to receive on channel 1,i.e. to receive audio in English. The headset output of the handset 303is connected by an amplifier to the loudspeaker 304 to thereby act as apublic address system for providing the English language audio so as tobe audible throughout the conference location. In this embodiment aparticipant 305 is an English-speaking participant and thus is able tolisten to the presentation without requiring an audio output from thehandset 305 a provided to the English-speaking participant. AnotherEnglish-speaking participant 307 may however wish to listen to thepresentation using a headset and this is possible by using a headsetconnected to the headset socket of their handset 307 a which receivesthe English audio on channel 1.

Where participants are not English-speaking and wish to listen to thepresentation simultaneously translated into other languages, asimultaneous language translation capability is required. In thisembodiment three simultaneous translators are present at the conference.An English/German translator 310 with an associated handset 310 a, anEnglish/French translator 311 with an associated handset 311 a and anEnglish/Spanish translator 312 with an associated handset 312 a. Each ofthese translators uses two communication channels. When the presenter300 is speaking an English language audio is present on channel 1, theyeach receive English language audio on channel 1, i.e. their handsets310 a, 311 a and 312 a are set such that the English channel 1 is set asa receive channel. Their second channel is set to be transmit channelsto transmit the simultaneous translations. For the English/Germantranslator 310 the second channel comprises the German channel 2, forthe English/French translator 311 the second channel comprises theFrench channel 3 and for the English/Spanish translator 312 the secondchannel comprises the Spanish channel 4. Thus in this way aGerman-speaking participant 306 has an associated handset 306 a set toreceive on German channel 2. The French-speaking participant 308 has anassociated handset 308 a set to receive the French channel 3. TheSpanish-speaking participant 309 has a handset 309 a set to receive theSpanish channel 4.

What happens when a participant wishes to speak in a language to thefloor language, i.e. non-English will now be described with reference tothe flow diagram of FIG. 24.

When the French-speaking participant 308 wishes to speak, they use theirhandset 308 a to generate a request to speak. The request to speak isreceived at the computer 301 so as to be visible to the presenter 300 ora Chairman (step S91). When the presenter 300 stops speaking and wishesthe French-speaking participant 308 to speak, the computer 301 is usedto send a control signal to the French-speaking participant's handset308 a and to the English/French translator's handset 311 a (step S92).The English/French translator's handset 311 a switches from receiving onchannel 1 and transmitting on channel 3 to receiving on channel 3 andtransmitting on channel 1 (step S93). The French-speaking participant'shandset 308 a switches in response to the signal from the computer 301to change the French channel 3 from a receive channel to a transmitchannel. The French-speaking participant can thus speak into themicrophone in the handset and this is transmitted over channel 3 to theEnglish/French translator's handset 311 a which receives on channel 3enabling the English/French translator 311 to hear the French andtranslate it into English for transmission on the English channel 1.Thus the English translation is broadcast to the handset 303 for audiooutput to the loudspeaker 304 such that the English translation can beheard as the floor language. Also, the English/German translator 310 andthe English/Spanish translator 312 still receive English and thus thereis no need for them to change channels.

Thus, this system provides a simple way in which only the handsets usedby the people involved in the language change need be modified. It doesnot require other translators to switch channels. Also the channelswitching and microphone activation is performed automatically. Thecontroller can allow one participant to speak at a time and the systemautomatically determines the language (or channel) used by the speakerto determine how to control the switching. The identification can bedone by looking up in a database based on the unique ID of the handset.In the database the handset users language can be entered along with theID of the handset that they are using. Alternatively when a participantsets up their handset, they can enter their spoken language of choice.This can be stored in the handset and sent to the controller i.e.computer or master handset when the user requests to speak. Thecontroller can thus determine how to switch the communication channelsof the participant's handset and the translator's handset.

When the participant has finished speaking, the process is reversed toenable the participant to listen in French to a translation either fromthe presenter speaking in English or from another participant that thepresenter has allowed to speak. For example, if the German-speakingparticipant 306 is allowed to speak, the associated handset 306 a willbe switched from receiving on the German channel 2 to transmitting onthe German channel 2. Also, the English/German translator 310 will havetheir handset 310 a switched from receiving on English channel 1 andtransmitting on German channel 2 to receiving on German channel 2 andtransmitting on English channel 1. The English/French translator 311will then be receiving the German-to-English translation on Englishchannel 1 and will thus generate a French translate on French channel 3for transmission to the French-speaking participant to listen to. Thusthe German-to-French translation goes through the intermediate of anEnglish translation. This reduces the number of translations needed andsimplifies the system. All translations go through the floor language ofthe conference, which in this case is English.

A method of configuring a handset in a participant response system independence upon the identity of a participant or a group to which theparticipant belongs will now be described.

At the beginning of an event a participant can be provided with ahandset which is generically configured or not configured at all. Inorder to activate the handset a user can be required to enterinformation identifying themselves or a group to which they belong.Information can be entered either by a smart card or using the keyboard.The information to be entered can either be a simple user ID whichmatches a user ID stored in the controlling computer or master handsetin which there are stored further details about the user. This isapplicable, for example, for an event for which there ispre-registration where a user will supply details before the event andthis will be entered into the computer or master handset and the usercan be provided with an ID. Thus when the participant enters the ID intothe handset this is transmitted to the central controller, i.e. thecomputer or the handset and full information is available.Alternatively, the information entered contains full information on theuser, and this can be transmitted to the computer or the master handsetand stored. For security, a user may also be required to enter a PINnumber to activate the handset. The PIN number can be transmittedtogether with the user information or user ID to the computer or masterhandset. Alternatively the PIN number can be checked in the handset byrunning an algorithm.

At the computer or master handset, user information is used to generateconfiguration data for the handset. The configuration data can begenerated using a set of rules based on the user input information. Theconfiguration data can also be generated based on a set of configurationinstances defining different levels of functionality available to theparticipant. For example, a presenter, a Chairman, an organizer, and adelegate can each be given different levels of functionality.Identification of whether the participant is a presenter, a Chairman, anorganizer, or a delegate can either be determined from the informationinput by the participant, or from the information stored in conjunctionwith the participant ID in the computer or master handset. The generatedconfiguration data can then be transmitted back to the handset toconfigure the handset in accordance with the level of functionalitydetermined to be allowed to the participant.

Thus this embodiment of the present invention has the advantage ofenabling configuration instances to be stored centrally and thus to becontrollably modified as and when appropriate. For example, aconfiguration instance applicable to a Chairman or a delegate can bemodified centrally so that any delegates registering for the activationof the handset will automatically be given the same configuration data,i.e. the same level of functionality. This provides a simple method ofupgrading configuration parameters and capabilities of handsets.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, handsets can beconfigured using smart cards. Smart cards can store the configurationdata used for configuring the handset. This method requires differenttypes of smart cards to be made available to participants. Also, theupdating of configuration instances requires the updating of each andevery smart card.

A method of operating the participant response system for providingparticipant position information will now be described.

At the beginning of an event or during the event when a participantmoves, it is possible for the participant to enter their location, e.g.their seat number. This information is transmitted together with aunique ID for the handset to the controller, i.e. the computer or themaster handset. This enables position information to be storedidentifying the location of the handsets during the event. Thus whenresponses are input using a handset, it is possible a user of thecontroller to determine the location from which responses were made.This can be visualized as a map indicating the location of the handsets.Where a participant is uniquely associated with a handset and hasentered participant identification information, it is possible for thecontroller to store information identifying the location of participantsduring the event. This can be visualized as a map of participantlocations.

This system has the benefit of enabling participants to choose theirlocation rather than being required to stay in a predetermined location.In other words, delegates at a conference to choose their own seat.Alternatively, a delegate can be pre-assigned a seat but can still entertheir location information at the time of taking their seat.

Thus, the information available to the event organizers on the locationof the participants is correct and dynamically updateable.

The use of position information is particularly useful in an event whereparticipants are allowed to speak using the audio capability of thehandset. When a participant is allowed to speak, a controller cancontrol a slave handset connected to a camera control system in order togenerate position information for transmission to the camera controlsystem. The camera control system can then pan the camera onto thespeaker to generate a picture of the speaker which can be displayed tothe other conference participants. Thus not only in this system is theconference participant able to speak and be heard over the wireless PAsystem as described for example with reference to FIG. 23, but also theconference participant is automatically displayed so as to be visible tothe other conference participants. Thus, the participant wishing tospeak can be both seen and heard by all participants. Also, if theidentity of the participant id known due to registration of theparticipant to associate a participant to a handset unique ID in acentral database, the image of the participant can include the name ofthe participant and other information on the participant as a subtitleor displayed otherwise.

A method of providing a business method for sale of participant responsesystems will now be described.

A business method of one aspect of the present invention comprisesselling a participant response system comprising a plurality ofconfigurable and upgradeable handsets which have a higher level offunctionality available to them than currently enabled. The system canbe sold at low cost due to the limited functionality. Where a customerwishes to, at a later date, purchase a higher level of functionality,instead of replacing the handsets, it is simply necessary to reconfigurethe handsets to enable certain disabled functions. This can be achievedeither using a smart card or a radio frequency control communication.For example, the mode type functionality which is set in BIOS can bepermanently upgraded by downloading a new BIOS. The modes enabled anddisabled can also be modified by modifying the configuration data. Theconfiguration data defines the mode type in which the handset is set.

Thus this business method enables a fully capable participant responsesystem to be sold initially with a view to selling functionalityupgrades to the customer at a later date without requiring upgrading ofthe hardware. This is simply achieved without requiring the hardware tobe returned to the manufacturer by providing smart cards, for insertionin the handsets, or software for configuring the controlling computer tocontrol a base station to download new configuration data to upgrade thefunctionality of the handsets.

Although the present invention has been described hereinabove withreference to specific embodiments, it will be apparent to a skilledperson in the art that modifications lie within the spirit and scope ofthe present invention.

An important feature of an aspect of the present invention is that theparticipant response system implements an event driven network. Thenetwork is not based on a base station polling handsets. The spreadspectrum communication system enables the event driven network byallowing the handsets and the base station to communicate with oneanother when necessary. It also enables the handset and the controllerto monitor the communication status. This therefore enables the systemto be more responsive.

Another important feature of an aspect of the present invention is theinterchangeability and reconfigurability of the handsets therebyproviding redundancy in the system. Any handset can be configured as abase station or a master handset. Thus if there is a failure of ahandset acting as a base station, another handset can be configured as abase station. Another advantage for a customer that has a number ofhandsets is that he can use them all together as one network or splitthem up into small systems to suit his needs as they change The networkthus acts as a peer-to-peer network.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the handset need not berestricted to use by a single participant. Participants can configure ahandset by entering user information e.g. using a smart card. Thecentral database will thus store more than one set of user informationfor a handset unique ID. Participants can thus enter their userinformation before entering a response so that the response can beassociated with them uniquely.

1-67. (canceled)
 68. A handset for allowing a participant of an event ina local environment to input a response, the handset comprising: abi-directional wireless communication device having a low transmissionrange to wirelessly communicate bi-directionally with at least one othersaid handset in the local environment; a participant input device forallowing a participant to input data representing a response; a programmemory containing program code; and a programmable controller forreading and implementing the program code in the program memory tocontrol the handset, said program code including code to configure thehandset to operate in one of a plurality of different modes, and code tochange the mode in response to a mode changing stimulus, the modesincluding a base station mode in which the handset serves as a basestation and receives responses from a plurality of other said handsetsin the local environment using said wireless communication device, and aslave handset mode in which a response input by a participant istransmitted to a base station in the local environment using saidwireless communication device.
 69. A handset according to claim 68,including a connector for connection to a computer, and wherein saidprogram code includes code to control said controller to send saidreceived responses to said computer when said controller is programmedto operate in said base station mode.
 70. A handset according to claim69, wherein said program code includes code to control said controllerto detect the connection to said computer and to automatically configurethe handset to operate in said base station mode in response todetecting said connection.
 71. A handset according to claim 69, whereinsaid program code includes code to control said controller to respond tocontrol instructions received from said computer via said connector topass on the control instructions to the other handsets when operating insaid base station mode using said wireless communication device.
 72. Ahandset according to claim 70, wherein said program code includes codeto control said controller to configure said handset in response tocontrol instructions received from said computer via said connector. 73.A handset according to claim 68, wherein said program code includes codeto control said controller to configure said handset in response tocontrol instructions received by said wireless communication device. 74.A handset according to claim 68, including a memory reader for reading amemory device carrying control instructions, wherein said program codeincludes code to control said controller to configure said handset inresponse to said control instructions read by said memory reader.
 75. Ahandset according to claim 68, including a display, and wherein saidprogram code includes code to control said controller to cause saiddisplay to display an input response in said slave mode and to displayresponses received from other said handsets in said base station mode.76. A handset according to claim 68, wherein said program code includescode to control said controller in said base station mode to process thereceived responses.
 77. A handset according to claim 68, wherein saidplurality of modes includes a master handset mode in which said handsetreceives said responses from said plurality of other handsets indirectlyvia a communication on said wireless communication device from saidhandset acting as a base station and processes said responses.
 78. Ahandset according to claim 77, including a display, and wherein saidprogram code includes code to control said controller to cause thedisplay to display an input response in said slave mode and to displayresponses received from other said handsets in said master handset mode.79. A participant response system for collecting responses fromparticipants of an event, the system comprising: a plurality of portablehandsets for operation by participants, each handset comprising thehandset according to claim
 68. 80. A participant response systemaccording to claim 79, including a computer for connection to eachhandset configured to operate in a base station mode and furtherprogrammed to receive responses from the plurality of handsets and toprocess the responses.
 81. A participant response system according toclaim 80, wherein said computer is further programmed to control saidcontroller of said handsets by transmitting control signals to eachhandset configured to operate in a base station mode, and wherein eachhandset configured to operate in a base station mode is programmed totransmit said control signals to said other handsets using said wirelesscommunication device.
 82. A participant response system according toclaim 79, including a storage medium storing computer readable code forcontrolling a computer connected to each handset configured to operatein a base station mode to receive responses from the plurality ofhandsets and to process the responses.
 83. A participant response systemaccording to claim 82, wherein the storage medium stores computerreadable code for controlling the computer connected to each handsetconfigured to operate in a base station mode to control said controllerof said handsets by transmitting control signals to each handsetconfigured to operate in a base station mode, and each handsetconfigured to operate in a base station mode is programmed to transmitsaid control signals to said other handsets using said wirelesscommunication device.
 84. A handset according to claim 68, wherein saidprogrammable controller is further programmed to configure the handsetto operate in one of at least one further mode.
 85. A handset forallowing a participant of an event in a local environment to input aresponse, the handset comprising: a bi-directional wirelesscommunication device having a low transmission range to wirelesslycommunicate bi-directionally with at least one other said handset in thelocal environment; a participant input device for allowing a participantto input data representing a response; a program memory storing programcode; a programmable controller for reading and implementing the programcode in said program memory to control the handset, said program codeincluding code to configure the handset to operate in one of a pluralityof different modes, and code programmed to change the mode in responseto an external stimulus, the modes including a base station mode inwhich the handset serves as a base station and receives responses from aplurality of other said handsets in the local environment using saidwireless communication device, and a slave handset mode in which aresponse input by a participant is transmitted to a base station in thelocal environment using said wireless communication device; and aconnector for connecting said handset to a computer to send saidreceived responses to said computer when said controller is configuredto operate in said base station mode, wherein said program code includescode to detect the connection to said computer and to automaticallyconfigure the handset to operate in said base station mode after theconnection has been detected.
 86. A handset for allowing a participantof an event in a local environment to input a response in a participantresponse system, the handset comprising: a bi-directional wirelesscommunication device having a low transmission range to wirelesslycommunicate bi-directionally with at least one other said handset in thelocal environment; participant input device for allowing a participantto input a response; a program memory for storing program code; and aprogrammable controller for reading and implementing the program code insaid program memory to control the handset, said program code includingcode to configure the handset to operate in one of a plurality ofdifferent modes, and code to change the mode in response to an externalstimulus, the modes including a base station mode in which the handsetserves as a base station and communicates with a separate participantresponse system computer and receives responses from a plurality ofother said handsets in the local environment using said wirelesscommunication device, and a slave handset mode in which a response inputby a participant is transmitted to a base station in the localenvironment using said wireless communication device, wherein saidprogram code includes code, when the handset is configured in the basestation mode, to control the controller to either process the receivedresponses and transmit the processed responses to said participantresponse system computer or transmit the received responses to saidparticipant response system computer for processing.
 87. A handset forallowing a participant of an event in a local environment to input aresponse, the handset comprising: a bi-directional wirelesscommunication device having a low transmission range to wirelesslycommunicate bi-directionally with at least one other said handset in thelocal environment; participant input device for allowing a participantto input data representing a response; a program memory storing programcode; and a programmable controller for reading and implementing theprogram code in said program memory to control the handset, said programcode including code to configure the handset to operate in one of aplurality of different modes, and code to change the mode in response toan external stimulus, the modes including a base station mode in whichthe handset serves as a base station and receives responses from aplurality of other said handsets in the local environment using saidwireless communication device, and a slave handset mode in which aresponse input by a participant is transmitted to a base station in thelocal environment using said wireless communication device, and a masterhandset mode in which said handset receives said responses from saidplurality of other handsets in the local environment indirectly via acommunication on said wireless communication means from a said handsetacting as a base station in the local environment, and processes saidresponses.
 88. A handset for allowing a participant of an event in alocal environment to input a response, the handset comprising: abi-directional wireless communication device having a low transmissionrange to wirelessly communicate bi-directionally with at least one othersaid handset in the local environment; participant input device forallowing a participant to input data representing a response; programmemory storing program code; a programmable controller for reading andimplementing the program code in said program memory to control thehandset, said program code including code to configure the handset tooperate in one of a plurality of different modes, and code to change themode in response to an external stimulus, the modes including a basestation mode in which the handset serves as a base station and receivesresponses from a plurality of other said handsets in the localenvironment using said wireless communication device, and a slavehandset mode in which a response input by a participant is transmittedto a base station in the local environment using said wirelesscommunication device; a removable memory device carrying controlinstructions; and a memory device reader for receiving and reading saidremovable memory device, wherein said program code includes code toconfigure said handset in response to said control instructions read bysaid memory device reader.